Evaluation of the online-presence (homepage) of burn units/burn centers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Evaluation of the Online-Presence of ABA-Verified Burn Centers

Currently, patients seek healthcare information online. An up-to-date online presence is vital for success among the competition amid hospitals. Hospital websites have become an important medium to communicate with patients, provide information about certain diseases/conditions, and advertise healthcare services. This study aims to evaluate burn centers websites verified by the American Burn Association (ABA). The online presence of the 73 ABA-verified burn centers was evaluated according to criteria previously published by Benedikt et al. This included general information on burns, first aid, treatment at the burn unit, research, and education. ABA-verified burn centers were then compared with 48 German-speaking burn centers evaluated by Benedikt et al. Online information about patient care including treatment options and techniques was more often present in ABA-verified burn centers. However, this information was still provided in only half of the websites. Furthermore, ABA-verified burn centers more often used multimedia-based elements and social media platforms. On the other hand, German-speaking burn centers more often provided translations, general information (eg, staff and ward) about the burn center, as well as research and education. This study demonstrates that although many burn centers have well-designed websites, relevant burn-related information on patient care, research, and education is often missing or sparse. Today, most patients look for healthcare information online. Also, applicants for residency or fellowship programs tend to get a first picture of their potential employer on websites or social media. Keeping websites and social media up-to-date and informative can improve recruitment of patients and employees.

Evaluating hospital websites in Kuwait to improve consumer engagement and access to health information: a cross-sectional analytical study

BACKGROUND

Current advances in information and communication technology have made accessing and obtaining health-related information easier than ever before. Today, many hospital websites use a patient-centric approach to promote engagement and encourage learning for better health-related decision making. However, little is known about the current state of hospital websites in the State of Kuwait. This study aims to evaluate hospital websites in Kuwait and offer recommendations to improve patient engagement and access to health information.

METHODS

This study employs a cross-sectional analytical approach to evaluate hospital websites in Kuwait in 2017. The websites of hospitals that provide in-patient services were identified through a structured search. Only active websites that were available in either English or Arabic were considered. The evaluation of the websites involved a combination of automated and expert- based evaluation methods and was performed across four dimensions: Accessibility, Usability, Presence, and Content.

RESULTS

Nine hospitals met the inclusion criteria. Most of the websites fell short in all four dimensions. None of the websites passed the accessibility guidelines. The usability of websites varied between hospitals. Overall, the majority of hospitals in Kuwait have rudimentary online presence and their websites require careful reassessment with respect to design, content, and user experience. The websites focus primarily on promoting services provided by the hospital rather than engaging and communicating with patients or providing evidence-based information.

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare organization and website developers should follow best-practices to improve their websites taking into consideration the quality, readability, objectivity, coverage and currency of the information as well as the design of their websites. Hospitals should leverage social media to gain outreach and better engagement with consumers. The websites should be offered in additional languages commonly spoken by people living in Kuwait. Efforts should be made to ensure that health information on hospital websites are evidence-based and checked by healthcare professionals.

Re-evaluation of websites from burn centers in Austria, Germany and Switzerland

INTRODUCTION

Websites serve as information and communication platforms; hence, they are important tools for the self-promotion of hospitals. In 2010, Selig et al. evaluated the online presence of burn centers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland based on 37 quality criteria. This study aimed to re-evaluate these websites to assess their development over the past 6.5 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Websites of the German-speaking burn centers were re-evaluated according to criteria previously described by Selig et al. Particular attention was paid to specific information on burns. Additionally, the implementation of social media platforms was investigated.

RESULTS

There was an overall increase in the quality of information published on websites. There was a considerable improvement recorded, especially in the categories of "teaching" and "patient care." However, burn-specific information was found to be still sparse. Over 50% of the hospitals were present on social media.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the quality of information published on German-speaking burn center websites increased, they must be further developed, especially regarding burn-related information. Moreover, a clear structure and design could prevent long searches and facilitate an easier flow of information. The interface from websites and social media platforms appear to be an important tool for up-to-date self-promotion.